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Getting Started | Volunteers | Meetings | Newsletters | Publications | Library | Membership | Member Pages | DNA | Contacts | About Us Darien, CT Middlesex Genealogical Society Next Presentation Making Sense of Your DNA Matches ... Without a Degree in Genetics Presented by Janeen Bjork Saturday, November 14, 2026 Hibernian Hall, 186 Greyrock Place, Stamford, Connecticut Presentation and Q&A: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Social at Hibernian Hall's on-site pub: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Janeen Bjork You've taken a DNA test and received hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of matches? Now what? Learn how to turn those matches into meaningful genealogical discoveries without needing a degree in genetics. Many DNA matches never respond, have no family trees, or provide few clues about how they're related to you. Using two adoption cases with 100% Irish ancestry as examples, this presentation shows how to move beyond frustration and develop evidence-based hypotheses using shared matches, phantom trees, traditional records, and DNA analysis. Attendees will learn practical techniques for organizing their matches and uncovering family connections, even when the available information appears limited. Janeen Bjork is a genealogical educator, author, and television researcher who has specialized in genetic genealogy instruction since 2016. Her programs focus on making DNA analysis understandable and useful for everyday family historians. Whether working with first-time DNA testers or experienced genealogists, she emphasizes practical methods that attendees can apply immediately to their own research. Whether you're just beginning to explore DNA genealogy or looking for new ways to make sense of your matches, we hope you'll join us for this informative and engaging presentation! AOH Hall Following our successful September gathering. MGS is delighted to return to Hibernian Hall, home of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Stamford and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Stamford. We are grateful to the leadership both organizations for their warm hospitality, and look forward to welcoming MGS members, AOH and LAOH members, any anyone interested in genealogy and family history. Following the presentation, attendees are invited to stay for a social hour at Hibernian Hall's on-site pub - a chance to meet Janeen, talk with fellow genealogy enthusiasts, and get to know members of MGS and the AOH and LAOH in a relaxed setting. Please feel free to bring a friend or family member interested in genealogy, family history, or learning more about MGS. Directions to Hibernian Hall Parking Convenient public parking is available in the Bedford Street Garage directly behind Hibernian Hall. Enter the garage at 17 Forest Street. Hibernian Hall has direct private access from the garage, and guests parking on the lowest level can use the Hall's private entrance. Directions to Bedord Street Garage Zoom Participation & Recording We are working to make this presentation available to MGS members in good standing via Zoom and available as a recording for up to 30 days following the presentation - stay tuned for availability and further details! About MGS The Middlesex Genealogical Society is located in the town of Darien, which is in Fairfield County, Connecticut, not far from New York City. Membership is open to all interested in family research, regardless of where they live. MGS draws members from various towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut, including Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, Redding, Fairfield. The Middlesex Genealogical Society was established in 1982 for the purpose of encouraging those interested in researching their family history and to provide guidance to that end. The Society does not limit its focus to Darien or Fairfield County. It provides assistance for all researchers, wherever their ancestry leads. A Newsletter is published quarterly. MGS holds program Presentation Meetings on five Saturdays during the year, presenting speakers on various topics of interest to all genealogists. If you are new to genealogy, see our Getting Started page. Volunteers are available at the Darien Library to help you with research problems, or just to get you started. Member Pages display the genealogical interests of members and help them connect with distant relatives. The MGS project at Family Tree DNA helps you understand your Y-DNA results and what to do next. MGS is registered with the State of Connecticut, thereby giving members access to vital records at town and city record offices in Connecticut. About Our Name The MGS name is derived from Middlesex Parish, the original name by which Darien, Connecticut, was known before becoming incorporated in 1820. The MGS founders were from Darien and chose "Middlesex" to honor the town. The name "Middlesex" is shown below on part of a 1789 map of Darien by Christopher Colles.    The main road is part of the 1,300-mile road from Boston to Charleston, South Carolina, ordered by King Charles II (now Old Kings Highway North) N in the upper left corner is north + is the 1744 Darien Congregational Church Z is Brookside Road 47 is miles from Federal Hall Scofield is the 1736 Bates-Scofield house (now the Museum of Darien) The squiggly arrow is the Goodwives River Y to Oxridge is Sedgwick Avenue